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I was diagnosed with Iron Deficiency Anemia more than thirteen years ago and have been treated with iron infusions for more than five years. Although a hysterectomy has been suggested a few times over the years, I never took it seriously.

I am now.

So what has changed?

I am not 100% certain my anemia is caused by my cycle. We've stopped my periods with the use of birth control pills. I still needed infusions. I've lessened the flow radically with Lysteda. Still needed infusions. Had to give up the pills because, after an extended time on them, I just felt down and lethargic (yes, even more lethargic than with my anemia...I felt the difference). I quit the Lysteda because the migraines it caused became worse than the pain associated with my period.

But, my periods have become worse. I did a crash diet a few years back and it seriously altered my cycles. They were never great to begin with but they've become absolutely unbearable since. My cycles now range any where from about 14 days apart to 45 days. The first day, bleeding is lighter but every ligament in my abdomen and right thigh (isn't that odd???) feels like it is being pulled painfully and the cramps are bordering on labor type contractions (not quite that bad but getting close). On the second through fourth days or so, I am suffering through terrible flooding events. I can be sitting then stand up and not only will I bleed through enough to immediately soak a HUGE overnight pad but it runs down my leg and soaks whatever I am wearing. Sleeping during these nights means I need to lay on top of beach towels because I will soak through even though I am sure to change my pad in the middle of the night. After that, my period turns more normal but there are still the occasional flooding and cramping events and my period goes on and on and on. This last one lasted about 23 days!

That can't help my anemia, right?

So, I am serious about the hysterectomy now. I am scheduled next week. At this point, the doctor will be taking my uterus, cervix, and tubes. She will likely leave the ovaries which is fine because I really would prefer not to be thrown into menopause.

My infusions have also been more frequent. I've been getting them every one to three months. It may take awhile after the surgery but my hope is that they'll become more infrequent or stop altogether.

I'll keep you updated.

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